If you live near the ocean or a substantial body of water, you've got a good start. Inland lakes offer interesting challenges and opportunities of their own. If your area offers neither of these, you my have to do a bit of travelling.

Some kinds of sailing can be a rich man's game. Others can be done on a shoestring, or less. It's important to be realistic about what you can afford, lest you be tempted to commit to a course that you won't be able to afford to follow though.